I refer to your article ‘Questions raised about tuna pen being dragged towards Malta’ (The Malta Independent, 1 July)

Without entering into the merits of this particular case, it must be pointed out that the tuna fishery takes place in accordance with strict rules laid down by the ICCAT (International Commission for the Control of Atlantic Tuna) and the European Union regulations.

The verification process of these fishing activities is rigorous. This highly depends on the administration of the strict rules which stipulate that an independent observer is to be present on the vessels which will be fishing for tuna to ensure that the rules are being observed.

Tuna intended for farming is caught by purse seiners during the fishing season. As soon as it is caught, the tuna is then transferred to cages which are then towed to the farming state. Prior to the towing, the necessary verifications and approvals are obtained and at this stage towing will start to the approved farming facility. Towing can take a number of days or weeks depending on weather conditions and on the positioning of the farming facility. One should also consider that once a cage is being towed, the towing vessel has to sail at a very slow pace, thus contributing also towards the delay.

It needs to be emphasised that the regulations do not require an observer to be present on the vessels which are solely transporting the cages. This is because carrying cages from one place to another does not include and can never include a fishing activity since tug boats are not even equipped for fishing activities. These documents are verified by Maltese authorities once a request is presented for the fish to be placed in the cage in Maltese waters.

Keith Galea

Communications Officer

Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs

Valletta